Designated Survivor is officially moving to Netflix for its third season, Variety has learned. The political drama starring Kiefer Sutherland was cancelled by America's ABC network in May, but rumours began to swirl almost immediately that series producer eOne were looking to continue the show with the streaming giant. The third series will consist of 10 episodes. In the new season, President Kirkman (Sutherland) will face a political reality-campaigning. What does it take to make a leader? What price will he be willing to pay? This season will explore today's world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and "fake news." "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play President Kirkman for season 3 of 'Designated Survivor' with Netflix, eOne and Neal Baer," Sutherland said. "I believe this format will allow us to continue to delve deeply into storylines and issues concerning the American electorate that were not previously possible." The new season will go into production later this year for a 2019 launch. As Variety reported at the time of the ABC cancellation, the show was ultimately axed by the broadcaster due in part to a potential significant rise in production costs going into the third season as well as declining ratings. Australian Associated Press

Netflix revives Designated Survivor series

Kiefer Sutherland says he's thrilled to be playing President Kirkman again on Designated Survivor.

Designated Survivor is officially moving to Netflix for its third season, Variety has learned.

The political drama starring Kiefer Sutherland was cancelled by America's ABC network in May, but rumours began to swirl almost immediately that series producer eOne were looking to continue the show with the streaming giant.

The third series will consist of 10 episodes.

In the new season, President Kirkman (Sutherland) will face a political reality-campaigning. What does it take to make a leader? What price will he be willing to pay? This season will explore today's world of campaigning, smear tactics, debates, campaign finance and "fake news."

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play President Kirkman for season 3 of 'Designated Survivor' with Netflix, eOne and Neal Baer," Sutherland said.

"I believe this format will allow us to continue to delve deeply into storylines and issues concerning the American electorate that were not previously possible."

The new season will go into production later this year for a 2019 launch.

As Variety reported at the time of the ABC cancellation, the show was ultimately axed by the broadcaster due in part to a potential significant rise in production costs going into the third season as well as declining ratings.